Build the engineering organization behind advanced ceramics
NEOTech's Carlsbad site manufactures LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) and advanced ceramic products for aerospace, defense and high-reliability electronics customers. We're looking for an Engineering Manager to lead Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Test Engineering, Process Technicians and New Product Introduction (NPI), and to turn a skilled, experience-driven operation into a disciplined, metrics-driven engineering organization built on statistical process control, process capability and repeatable quality.
This is a hands-on leadership role with real scope: you'll build the team, set the engineering standards, shape the capital roadmap and partner directly with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management and site leadership.
What you'll do
Lead and grow the engineering team
- Build, mentor and develop Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Test Engineers and Process Technicians.
- Define roles, career paths and succession plans; recruit and retain engineering talent for site growth.
- Lead the change from informal practices to standardized engineering systems and process discipline.
Install process control and drive manufacturing excellence
- Implement SPC, process capability (Cp/Cpk) monitoring, control plans and KPIs across all manufacturing operations.
- Lead process characterization, process window development, process validation and continuous optimization.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective action using 8D, DMAIC, fishbone analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Improve yield, throughput, cycle time, scrap and OEE; own process documentation, work instructions and engineering procedures.
- Support qualification of new ceramic materials, manufacturing technologies and production capabilities.
Own New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead engineering support for NPI and technology transfer with a focus on manufacturability, repeatability, quality and cost.
- Set process validation requirements, manufacturing readiness reviews and production launch criteria.
Shape strategy and investment
- Build process and manufacturing engineering strategies aligned to business growth plans.
- Prioritize and justify capital equipment (CapEx) through ROI and capacity planning; review engineering labor estimates and NRE quotes.
- Support executive leadership in strategic planning, operational reviews and performance initiatives.
Manage risk and compliance
- Lead PFMEA, DFMEA, risk assessments and control plan development.
- Ensure validation and qualification of processes, equipment, tooling and test systems (IQ/OQ/PQ).
- Maintain compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer and regulatory requirements; support EHS and sustainability initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Materials, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Manufacturing or related) or equivalent experience.
- 3-5+ years leading engineering teams in a manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience implementing SPC, DOE, FMEA/PFMEA, MSA, control plans and process capability analysis.
- Track record of leading change and establishing engineering discipline in a growing manufacturing organization.
- Working knowledge of ERP/MES systems and engineering change management (ECO/ECN).
- Business acumen to connect engineering decisions to operational and financial performance.
Preferred
- Experience with LTCC, HTCC, thick film, advanced ceramics, microelectronics, semiconductor, defense electronics, aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement certification.
- NPI and technology transfer experience in a contract manufacturing (EMS) environment.
Why NEOTech
You'll join a site that is investing in its engineering foundation, with the authority to build the team and the systems the right way. NEOTech offers a comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental and vision coverage; company-paid basic life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability; voluntary supplemental insurance; flexible spending accounts; Employee Assistance Program; sick leave, vacation time and company-paid holidays; and a 401(k) with company match.
ITAR Requirements
Due to ITAR and / or CUI compliance, this position requires candidates to be a U.S. Citizen.
Equal Opportunity
NEOTech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates being considered for hire must pass a pre-employment background check and drug test, which include screening for illegal drugs and marijuana.